There is no shortage of essential anti‑TB drugs like Rifampicin and Ethambutol in central and state warehouses, Union Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, affirming that the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is ensuring uninterrupted supply of key anti‑tuberculosis medications across the country under the framework of the National Health Mission (NHM).
Alongside drug availability, India’s broader TB‑elimination efforts have been strengthened under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (PMTBMBA). The initiative expanded nutrition support for TB patients under the Ni‑kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), doubling monthly financial aid from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per patient since November 2024 — a move aimed at bolstering recovery through improved nutrition.
PMTBMBA also leverages the Ni‑kshay Portal for nationwide tracking of TB patients’ diagnosis, treatment and support across both public and private sectors, ensuring real‑time monitoring and coordination.
Further, the programme’s community‑support arm, Ni‑kshay Mitra, encourages individuals, NGOs, corporates and institutions to support TB patients — offering nutritional, diagnostic or vocational support during treatment.
Since launch, many TB patients have been supported under this scheme, reflecting India’s push for a collective response to end TB.
